My peeps know what I mean by that.

Filed under: Misc. | 3 Comments

One of our challenges facing us is the misperception people have of Jesus and the perception they have of his people- the Church.

• How do we reveal to people that Jesus isn’t simply some ancient form of a Ghandi-type teacher or a painting at their grandma’s house?
• How do we change people’s mind that they truly can come as they are to church?
• How do we change the perception that Christians are a bunch of self-righteous, judgmental, hypocrites?
• How do we show that church isn’t merely an institution or a building but a movement and community of people just like them.

That’s tough. But that’s the real challenge. It’s especially difficult because the perception is being fed- daily- by fellow Christ Followers , churches, and yes, even us.

Clearly, to smash the perception we’re going to have to break some rules. Not God’s rules. But man-made rules- A.K.A. the sacred cows. To live the lives God meant us to live. To love God and people- recklessly. To do whatever it takes to point people to Jesus. Even if that means killing the cows.

And that’s exactly what Project Church will do.

Filed under: Christianity, Church Planting, Jesus, church, project church | 1 Comment

Project Church is an experiment that begins with the “What if?” question.

Tonight, it wasn’t just me asking the question, it was the team. One of my goals as the leader of this baby is for others to own the vision. That Project Church would move from an idea and dream God gave me to a mission and a passion God also ignites in others.

As we envisioned what church could and should be, we expressed it with post-it notes. Click on the picture below for a closer look.

We asked- If we center Project Church around the person and work of Jesus- the real Jesus- then what could and should a church look like? I love what the team, including the kids, came up with. I know the posterboard is a bit ghetto- but the hearts of the people are real.

These first steps go a long way in creating the DNA of Project Church. You gotta love it!

Next Week’s Gathering: 10 Lies/Misperceptions about Jesus, Church, and Christianity. It should be quite interesting. Don’t miss it!

Filed under: Christianity, Church Planting, Jesus, Rapid City, church, project church | 1 Comment

On April 1, Tim Stevens‘ book, “Pop Goes the Church,” will be released. I anticipate the buzz will be hot as church leaders and Christ Followers get their hands on this book.

Tim will make you laugh enough to get a good ab workout. Nod enough to get a neck crap. And for some, feel enough discomfort to reach for the Pepto. But when the smoke clears, I think many will be inspired to engage culture with the gospel the same way Paul did in Athens.

Check out the sweet website accompanying the book.

I had the pleasure of reviewing an early manuscript and posted a review several months back (which you can read below).

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Review

Churches now have a guidebook that explains why and how to leverage pop culture, engage people, and point them to Jesus in the book “Pop Goes the Culture.” The book is written by Tim Stevens, a pastor at the innovative, Granger Community Church in Indiana.

As an early reviewer of the book, I can’t give away many details of it, but I can tell you that it is both engaging and provocative. The stories Tim weaves in throughout the book are a great touch with some surprising tales about his own life.

Tim comes across as a nice guy (I’m sure he is)- but he makes no bones that this book will offend lots of churchy people. After reading it, I would definitely agree. If you read it you will either dig or or disdain. I, for one, dug it.

There are aspects of the book that may be fodder for the “attack dog” “watchdog” bloggers out there. But I hope the message of the book will rise above all of that and provoke thought, discussion, prayer, and action instead. People need Jesus. Pop culture practically screams it out. Why not use it in a timely way to connect people to the timeless truth?

I think this should be required reading for every church planter, Christian leader, and Christ follower. I’m thankful for the opportunity to review this book and look forward to seeing the impact it’s bound to have on ministries, and ultimately people, everywhere.

Filed under: Book Review, books, church | 2 Comments

It’s funny because it’s real.

Thanks to my friend Kris for passing it on.

Filed under: Current Events, Funny, Humor, Military | 1 Comment

My confession is not that I wish I had a cool name like Chikezie, had dreads like Jason Castro, or rocked like David Cook.

My confession is this: I don’t vote.

Do you?

Filed under: Music | 7 Comments

Some great quotes from some brilliant minds on The Church:

“The Church is the most magnificent concept ever created. It has survived persistent abuse, horrifying persecution, and widespread neglect. Yet despite its faults (due to our sinfulness), it is still God’s chosen instrument of blessing and has been for 2,000 years.

The Church will last for eternity, and because it is God’s instrument for ministry here on Earth, it is truly the greatest force on the face of the Earth.“

- Rick Warren (pastor, Saddleback Church // CA)

“Nothing else - not crusades, outreach programs, para-church ministries, growing mega-churches, congregational consulting, nor church renewal processes - will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting.“

- Tim Keller (pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church // NYC)

“My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent. So they see the church as a place that is there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them. There is almost no genuine compassion or urgency about serving and reaching people who don’t know Christ.

I think the bottom line is our own spiritual narcissism. There are methods and you can talk about style, structure and music, but in the end it really comes down to your heart and what you care about.”

- Erwin McManus (pastor, Mosaic // CA)

“Jesus said in Matthew 11:12 that the kingdom should forcefully advance, not through violence or making up stupid Christian bumper stickers…but by people realizing that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to heaven…and the church is RESPONSIBLE for getting that message to the world.“

- Perry Noble (pastor, NewSpring Church // SC)

“I don’t think Jesus wanted church to be boring.“

- Reece Salamun (5th grader, Project Church // SD)

Filed under: Jesus, Quotes, church | 1 Comment

Great quote from Martin Luther.

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”

Filed under: Christianity, Jesus | Post a comment

My daughter, Regan, and I have a tradition when we go on dates.  We call it a “carty” which is a car party.  That’s when we roll all the windows down, crank the radio up, and do a jig in the car.  Tonight, after some meaningful conversation and silliness at Starbucks, we had a “carty” to some old-school Coolio.

Good times.

This is why I take my daughter on dates- to set the bar really, really, really high. And right now, the bar with my daughter is “cartying” like a rock star, laughing a lot, and having meaningful conversations about puppies, kindergarten, and Wa Wa Wubzy.  She’s one goofy girl. I have no idea where she gets it.

I love being a dad. More specifically, I love being Regan and Reece’s dad.

Filed under: Family | 1 Comment